When to Seek Medical Care

The majority of cases of ear pain or squeeze force the diver to abort the dive before the eardrum ruptures. In these cases, symptoms often resolve shortly after the diver reaches the surface. If symptoms continue or the cause of the ear pain is not known, seek medical care. Disorientation, vomiting, and hearing loss are symptoms of a ruptured eardrum and require medical care.

If a ruptured eardrum is present or suspected, the diver should be evaluated in a hospital's Emergency Department. Transport by car is acceptable. No further dives should be undertaken until the diver is medically cleared.

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Although dysbarism includes problems associated with high altitude and aerospace endeavors, dysbarism also relates to the increasing pressures of descending under water that are usually experienced in free or assisted dives.